Osteoarthritis Flashcards
1
Q
what is OA 2
A
- inflammation of facet jt and degeneration of cartilage causing swelling & pain, may develop osteophytes or bone spurs
- cartilage rubs against neighbor = friction
2
Q
anatomy of pain 2
A
- swollen facets transmit pain signal through a single nerve- median branch causing muscles to go into spasm
- spasm and inflammation causes lower back pain
3
Q
load bearing of facets
A
healthy spine = facets carry 33% of load bearing
facet joint and disc degeneration develop = load bearing 77%
4
Q
population 4
A
- aging population due to degenerative changes
- older than 45= more commonly women, younger than 45= men - younger due to trauma to the facet joint or genetics
- overweight
- weightlifters, sports involving a load through the spine
5
Q
symptoms 6
A
- stiffness especially in the morning
- weakness and numbness in lower limbs- if severe enough to affect spinal cord
- pain subsides when lying down
- reflex changes
- swelling and warmth in joints
- crepitus
6
Q
imaging to confirm diagnosis
A
- x-ray to show bone damage or spurs
- MRI- shows damage to discs or narrowing of foramen where spinal nerves exit
7
Q
surgical approach
A
steroid injections - not first line treatment
8
Q
non-invasive approach 4
A
massage, acupuncture, TENS, NSAIDs
9
Q
conservative activitys 4
A
- swimming
- walking
- water aerobics
- cycling
10
Q
recommendations
A
back friendly bodyweight
11
Q
what other condition can you form from having OA
A
- Scoliosis risk factor, closing down the vertebra gap on one side making the facet joints closer together and opening the vertebra gap on the other side
